EU Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 - Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food

What it says

This framework Regulation requires that materials and articles intended to come into contact with food be manufactured in accordance with good manufacturing practice so that they do not transfer their constituents to food in quantities that could endanger human health, bring about an unacceptable change in the composition of the food or deteriorate its taste and odour. It also covers labelling, traceability and declarations of compliance, with specific measures for certain materials.

Paraphrased for plain-language clarity. Always verify against the current published regulation text.

What it means in practice

• It reaches packaging, utensils and equipment surfaces, so a food business also has to consider what its materials add to the food.
• Specific measures set additional rules for materials such as plastics, with limits on substances that may migrate.
• Traceability means businesses must be able to identify their suppliers and customers of these materials.

What inspectors look for

• Whether materials in contact with food are suitable and supported by declarations of compliance where required.
• Whether traceability of materials is in place.
• Whether labelling for materials not yet in contact with food is correct.

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